The Shade Tree Incorporated

Horrible. Allowed bullying. Staff joined in and enjoyed adding to trauma. Refused to give me my things when I moved into a sober living home while I was employed and paying for it. Would not recommend.

They are a ubusingl the fund they are getting from the state. The manager Ms. BRITNEY does a terrible job at this place . She is unprofessional, rude and mean and she should not work there . Keep an eye on how the place is run, most of the employees are kissing but, maybe they are also scared to be kicked out ! And they are like puppets. They jump and most of them are really weird. They are supposed to have patience, kindness , and caring i know they were nothing of that. I want to say I saw alot of racist treating the white old women to be very scarred. And I hate to know how they are treating the pets, I bet even worse.

This is a horrible organization all they do is lie they care nothing about their employees and their director of programs has a long criminal history that includes domestic violence/ kidnapping and coercion ! This is a crocked corporation and they need to be shut down !!!! Not to mention they get all this money yet none of it goes into the building the whole entire building smells strongly
Of methane gas and the food that they serve families in need is lower than low quality. Don't work here and surely don't seek shelter here.

Security and case workers are all aware of my fame status and has done nothing but isolate and increase ridicule while I have been staying here. I have been name called, mocked and bullied by all staff/clients including kitchen staff volunteers. I keep to my self and it does not matter. Rude, drama, and lying organization in Las Vegas, NV.

The CEO is the worst leader. She constantly cries and makes everything about her instead of the clients. Why? Because she does not care. She never even walks through the shelter. She treats the victims as though they are better than the homeless. She does tours and says “don’t show the 2nd floor”. Why? Because it’s disgusting. She prefer to spend her time making tv appearances or crying during interviews than taking care of the shelter. Everything she says is a lie. She is not a people facing CEO. She hides in her office and has others do her dirty work. She is not professional or ethical. She talks bad about EVERYONE from past employees to current employees. It’s as though she is obsessed with past employees as she constantly tells people their names and their errors. If they made so many errors wouldn’t that ultimately fall back on her since she’s the CEO? No of course not. Why? Because she never is accountable. She always acts as though she is perfect. A perfect CEO would not talk so bad about her employees. She said that her HR is clueless and doesn’t know her job. She said her director of operations doesn’t do his job and she said “I would never want to hire another him”. She said that her case managers are unprofessional and ghetto. She said that 2 of them should be fired because they don’t work even though they have the longest tenure. Another just recently put in her notice and she had a hour meeting with her yet this is the same casa manager that she said is a terrible person and a snake. She even showed me a news article about this case manager and she said she was a snake and could not be trusted. The CEO does not have good relationships with any of the nearby agencies. Why? Because she said they don’t like her especially Safe Nest. She said their CEO was a terrible person. See the pattern here? Everyone is always terrible right? She is always the victim right? She constantly makes decisions and says “don’t say it was me”. Why? Because if things don’t go right she doesn’t want to take the blame. She always wants to seem righteous. What does she personally do for the clients? Does she meet with them? Does she ever sit in during intakes? Does she walk the shelter and see the disgust? Does she do anything to decrease exposure to Covid? Is she ever accountable? Can she go a day without bad mouthing another person? And this is the CEO? People should watch their backs as she is out to get everyone that doesn’t kiss her butt. Women should seek clean and staffed shelters. Good luck!!

To whom it may concern
I am a single mother
Who due to the rising cost in rent wound up in the Shade Tree woman and children shelter with my daughter
During my 2 week stay I witness several acts of bullying by staff and security
They claim to be there to help battered and abused woman and children and to help empower them and build them up to go back out into the world again yet they do the total opposite.

Woman are belittled and threatened to do as the staff want

There are holes in the walls
Cameras in the woman's dorms secretly recording at night.which is an invasion of privacy because they claim there are no cameras in dorm rooms.
There is a Methan gas leak in the building that causes everyone to get sick yet they refuse to address the situation. .
The gas company was called in 3 times in my 2 week stay one visit required things to be shut down because leaks were found in 2 separate areas of the building.
Food is withheld by the Kitchen staff in exchange
For chores to be done such as cleaning the living areas sweeping doing dishes ,washing the house laundry ,tables ,floors and bathrooms that often had human feces and urine without gloves or proper cleaning supplies .
Food was with held from my child due to a dairy allergy which caused me to have to leave the facility to take my daughter to eat.
Food and snacks are with held from other children and pregnant woman there for causing distress and malnutrition among the pregnant woman ,children and disabled.

Yesterday I was kicked out of the Shade Tree yesterday afternoon with no where to go after my 13 year old daughter was assulted by a boy her age while in the care of the CAC advocate
She was struck several times in her face and forehead by a child a who was known to have anger and rage issues
No incident report was filed ,security was not alerted and I was not notified till well after an hour after the incident happen .
No medical attention was given during that time period.
My daughter was written up for defending herself while she was being attacked.

After I filed a noticed with the security team. As directed by my case worker , my dorm area was tossed without my presence or any notification and I was accused of things being found that were not in my possession by the Director of security and was thrown out of the Shade Tree based on false alligations without anywhere to go with my child we are now in distress and my daughter is suffering symptoms of PTSD after being bullied by said child and staff .
The Shade Tree boast that is is there to help protect woman and children yet they continually bully and threaten the residents on
A daily basis
The week before they threw a woman and her 4 children who were at the Shade Tree on a dv case and being kept non disclosed by the police 3 of her 4 children were sick with bronchitis ,ear and eye infections the Shade Tree refused them extra time stating their 90 days was up when DV cases have unlimited time
They were thrown out Easter weekend with no where to go and are now exposed to their attacker and are at risk for further injury even death at their stalkers hands.

My self as well as others were refused our exit notices so they can continue to use our names and social security number to continue to collect funds on our cases which is illegal, fraudulent and embezzlement
The case workers at the Shade Tree are a mean malicious and corrupt pack of bullies who like to cause anxiety and fear among the family's and woman entering who have been raped and abused.


Also witnessed staff stealing from the donation center
Donations that were dropped off for the woman and children were often picked through first by staff members and then hidden away in the basement and rarely given to the residents .
Amazon dropped off a pallet of gifts for the children and woman
Staff were seen loading those gifts into their own cars and none were given to the woman or family's
As well as Easter baskets that were donated at Easter many staff members were seen taking several for themselves .

Staff member the director of case management head of the CAC roo
director of operations notified staff to not give my daughter any food due to her dairy allergy which caused me to have to leave the facility to make sure my daughter was fed .

The lead kitchen manager who took great pride in with holding food from woman and children
That is donated by 3 square and often left the rot in the back kitchen because menus are not planned accordingly for healthy meals .
Snacks are often not given out unless you volunteered to wash dishes

So tell me how does the Shade tree provide help or guidance when they are bullied by staff
And often have to go to Catholic Charities to receive any help or direction as well as housing assessments because the shade tree leaves you to figure things out on your own

There is no help
No guidance
No direction
And no empowerment
Their claims are lies and false .
This company is based on lies and greed.

I was so excited to start working here I truly thought I would be able to help these woman and children in a very positive way in a bad time of their lives. On the tour I was shown a computer lab a doctors clinic and a children's center also a basement area filled with brand new clothing as Donations for these woman. The reality is I received no training the doctors clinic was never open as there is no doctor or nurse employed there and I never saw the children's center open and there are no toys, color books for the children on the housing floors. There is a form the woman can fill out for clothing the employee goes to the basement if they feel like it and picks a few used clothing items close to their size and that is what the clients recieved. I saw the same food being served everyday. I watched a girl that works there she has been there a whole 2 months no background in social work and I'm sure has never had a hard day in her life she does not relate to these woman at all!! Her name is Rosalyn she walks around with a superior attitude barking orders and actually raising her voice yelling at these woman! A client staying there dropped her mask on the bathroom floor she tried to explain to Rosalyn she didn't want to put it back on her face after dropping on the filthy bathroom floor she was on her way back to her dorm to a new mask Rosalyn and another woman Jami stopped her got into a verbal alteration with her threatened to put her out when the client tried to explain they walked the client downstairs then went and put her things in a garbage bag and physically threw it outside the gate "86" her from ever coming back. ROSALYN is a young girl on a power trip!! I recieved no training at all Rosalyn would yell at me call the supervisor who was not there on-site to tell on me I had no idea what I was allowed and not allowed to do as there was NO TRAINING!! There are absolutely no social workers on site they do not help these women nor guide them in anyway into changing their lives most all donations don't ever go to these woman. It is absolutely up to these unqualified girls that work there whether you are get a bed or not. I watched Janice another employee turn away a very pregnant woman due in 5 weeks away because she didn't feel like doing the paper work. Upper management never ever mingles with the woman staying there and the so called advocates they hire have no formal training. This job was so misrepresented I really wanted to help the community instead I left in tears everyday after witnessing the abuse and the mental abuse these woman go through. They are there due to domestic violence and now they have a 20 something year old girl barking orders and yelling at them and they know they can't say a word or she will throw them out in the street they have seen her do it. I have now quit my job there I absolutely refuse to treat human beings already down on their luck like garbage for a paycheck!! I am reaching out to authorities to see if anyone cares and can look into The Shade Tree.

Employee of the shade tree they work you like a slave you are seen but not to be heard corporate workers all have a power adatud they never interact with the clients I have seen a lot of big payments from donation but it's not spent on the clients and the staff is not payed well employees dateing each other the one over security he lays every young lady that gets on payroll but they have you taking sexual harassment classes you talking about about the shade tree being messed up well it sure is I'm in the inside trying to get the hell out if it was not for helping the lady's that come through that breakes my heart how corporate don't give a dam about them they talk a good talk but it's all about the money and it is going in there pocket.

Shade tree is nothing but a fraud and need to be shut down. The place is filthy disgusting dirty and you will for sure get sick and end up in the hospital or doctor. They seem to house more than domestic violence victims they house mentally ill artistic family’s drug attics and so forth and they put that along with other family’s and single women all together plus pregnant women in the same space and expect everyone to co exist with all those different personalities and mental problems going on. They don’t have a real doctor or nurse on staff. They don’t have any real educated employees over seeing the clients once the upper management goes home or are not in the building.. the place is dirty backed up sewer system bad water bad air to breath dirty old linen and towels and out dated food supply or left over food from weeks old. They will serve it over and over until it is gone.the employee take home any donations they can get out the building when no one is looking and everyone knows about the basement. Yea the basement where all the real donations are stored that should be given to the clients but always seems they never have anything or there always running out of everything.. they lie to people coming thru the door telling them there full and they always have at least 25 empty beds a night. They also play favoritism and only give stuff to the women they like or the ones that kiss up to them if your not doing things there way they will make you pay and I mean pay. They stole my stuff twice from my bed. I seen them cut locks off lockers drag big bags thru the rooms and remove peoples things and drag them right out the front door on the street and leave the person out in the cold and not even care and this place suppose to be helping victims this place has done more damage to victims than was done to them by there family’s. It seems the game plan is to break you down even worse than you are when you get there. They don’t help you with anything so that mission statement is a lie. They wake you up kick you out and leave you to go out find a job find yourself some help or in 30 days they will kick you right out the front gate or as they say they will 86 you. The lady they have running the place have no respect for any client she seems to think because we have life situations we are beneath her or low class trash Jasmin Lee. The police spoke highly of her but she is no good and needs to be fired. She is the head of this place and has never shown any kind of good example to the staff she makes the staff believe it’s ok to treat the clients bad. You will get sick in here they will treat you bad they don’t help you with housing jobs clothing busing or nothing else you find yrself pretty much begging them for stuff they only serve rasping and if you come late you don’t get to eat if you come late and they don’t like you they don’t want to let you shower I have slept without blankets because they refused to give to me but have watched them take the elevator to the basement and come back up with new bedding new clothes and give to women they like or women that bring them stuff this place should be shut down restructured and all of them should be fired

My friend, Jeri Burton, the President of LV Now which I am a member wrote about a tour she took of your facility & I looked up your web page. I just want to applaud the service you are giving domestic violence spouses & families & even pets. Having been there myself mostly verbal, emotional & mental for 10 years & the one & only night it manifested it to in violence & my life was threatened verbally - I was gone the next day. Luckily, I had been preparing & had saved $$s that he was unaware of & it is a long story but my heart goes out to these families who find themselves in similar & far worse situations. I am retired now & on a fixed income. I have several near & dear causes that I am passionate about I prioritize them. I am traveling a lot right now because I can & need to now before my health makes it too hard. What I am trying to say, I would like to be an occasional volunteer. My activism causes that are near & dear are: NOW & other feminist issues, single moms, domestic violence survivors, Moms Against Guns, & Veterans as I am one and everything gets Trumped by election time as work for the Dems which takes priority along with NOW. I can fit u in -can u fit me in? Will u? Please feel free to contact me. Jerri has all my contact info if interested. And in closing, I applaud u! God bless you & your work!

Someone I know recently had her face smashed by her boyfriend. After her hospital stay she was brought to The shade tree, she called it "shady tree". She isn't from this city or state. Her boyfriend kept her homeless on the streets away from people. It was only a matter of time before her boyfriend posted up outside the shade tree and waited till she came out of the building to go " take care of her paperwork " at various time consuming places. Of course he threatened her, just the sight of an abuser is enough for many. Who knows what her fate will be now. What type of safe place is that? If it hadn't happened already, its going to happen.. A woman and her children scared for their life, thinking they are safe because its a shelter and whoever they escaped will find them and murder suicide on shade tree porch. Someone had to say it. This place is NOT safe to go to for anyone! That is a serious threat to people in need of true help and safety. I'd recommend behind a grocery store as a safe place before I'd send someone to the shade tree.

2 years ago I came in with bruises around my neck and my newborn son and was turned away because “I didn’t look like I needed help.”

2 years later I’m still in the same situation with now 2 babies. I’ve been calling everyday and leaving voicemails and no one is getting back to me.

I give up

(THE DIRECTORS)They Pick And Chose Who They Want To Help Out(BECAUSE THEY HAVE PERSONAL RELATIONS WITH A CLIENT) They Throw Dv Victims Back On The Streets Without Helping And Leaving Us To Hi Back To Our Abuser They Say Here To Help But Ain't Helping I Seen They Give The FAVORITES Extention After Extention.....The Staff( Is Disrespectful To The Clients They Are Putting They Hands In Us And If We Try To Complain Or Press Charges We Our Put Out The Same Day.....I Feel That You Guys Need To Come Sit Down With The Clients And Hear From Our Mouths What's Going On Here Or Y'all Gone Get That One Person That's Gone To Expose This Bullshyt We Going Throu

Shade Tree gave me a safe place when I had nowhere else to go. I showed up around 4:30 or 5am. They let me in, gave me water, and let me sleep in the intake room. I was in a bad situation and was going to sleep in the Greyhound station. A man who worked for Greyhound told me about the shelter and gave me a ride to it. There was no red tape or a lot of paperwork, just help when I really needed it. Thank you so, so much.

I want to say I am a survivor and was an Office Manager and Victim Advocate at another nonprofit domestic violence program. I asked for a tour of this facility. I was shocked - and not in a good way. I was shocked that a program that is supposed to help victims escape their violent abusers has their address publicly listed. This place seems to be pushed/promoted as a domestic violence shelter, but they take in homeless people. There were no real security measures (1 camera outside) and men working there. This is not a place of warmth, hope or healing - it reeks of hopelessness and has a prison feel to it. I couldn't work there simply because it is utterly depressing. It doesn't matter how much paint and inspirational sayings you put on cinder block walls, it feels institutional and prison like. When you leave abuse you want to go somewhere that allows you to catch your breath - breathe, let your mind settle, try and not be hyper vigilant, try and figure out what to do next. You can't do that there. You can't do that in a shelter that kicks you out at 7:30 in the morning and doesn't allow you to return until the afternoon. I didn't see the bugs or mold; but I don't doubt they are there. My first thought after I walked out was "If this had been where I had to go, I would have gone straight back to my abuser." This nonprofit needs MAJOR help, restructuring and overhauling. Women and children of abuse cannot go there to heal. That was a visual nightmare and I feel for the women and children that have to stay there. A high number of women and children that have passed through the doors does not equal actually helping them to escape and stay free of abuse.

I have to say they make this place sound so great online and to the investors and to those whom donate, however my experience has been horrible, they put you on cots in a day room with those sleeping in dorms making noise so your not able to sleep with your small children. They tell you they have no rooms available when they have a whole 3rd fl. Mostly empty. And the case managers and advocates aren't sympathetic and don't help you find or even move into a place, where's all the money going. Place is ran down probably not up to health or fire code, come on people, its not like us dv victims asked for this nor do we even want to have to stay in place like this, we finally do what's best for our safety and that of our kids and this is what we have to end up tolerating. Its why most end up back in violent situations then end up harmed badly cuz people like them leave you almost push to that choice. We've all been taxpayers too and deserve some respect and belief in humanity, the 2nd floor day area is chaos and advocates don't care.

This place is horrible, the people that write the good reviews are probably the people that work there, there's bed bugs in pretty much every bed and couch, the advocates aren't helpful at all, I asked for clothes for my kids at least 7 times and they never brought me a single thing. These advocates are stealing the donations, they're taking the clothes for themselves and their family. Whoever owns this place needs to do something asap. Oh, and I forgot, they serve undercooked chicken, me and my babies were sick the whole time we spent there. We moved with friends 10 days after going there, this place isn't for humans

Shadetree is the worst place they don't help you with anything they give you an out dated resource list then you're on your own they have bed bugs and rouches and do nothing about it they feed you slop and call it food and your kids get sick all the time

The staff at THE SHADE TREE AREnot professional at all!!! I'm going to corporate and anybody else I need to go threw to get sum help because the way they did me and my kids was wrong. They make you feel like you ain't nothing They pose to uplift and help you but all dey do is walk around with attitudes and make false accusations.. I would really like to get intouch with the higher power because whoeva running THE SHADE TREE IS NOT N I REPEAT IS NOT running it the right way!!! But trust me when I say I'm not stopping till they do something about it.!!!!

The Shade Tree is a great organization that brings hope to families! It was a honor to serve the clients and staff last week as we painted murals, sorted clothing, served a meal, etc. Marian is a great director with an amazing heart. If you are looking for a place to serve in Las Vegas, to give back to those who desperately need to be encouraged, The Shade Tree is the place for you!

-Jordan

It is always a joy to volunteer at the Shade Tree. Most people from the staff to the clients show gratitude and appreciation to any effort shown to assist them. I feel welcome every time I go. I would love to go back and just be a part of this facility that assisting women and children in need.

My ministry team, Highway to Hope, has cooked and served meals at The Shade Tree a few times annually for close to ten years. Recently, we expanded the relationship and brought in crews to paint murals, remodel the pantry, sort a basement full of donations and teach a class in resume writing. The vast majority of the clients we have encountered over the years seem very much at ease, and often engage in conversations with us. Although these ladies and children are going through some incedibly rough times, the atmosphere at The Shade Tree is upbeat and calm. If you are looking for a place to volunteer, the enrollment process is easy, and the Volunteer Coordinator, Marian Thomas, is very organized and responsive. Even more importantly, Marian recognizes that the needs of their clients go way beyond the basic necessity of food, clothing and shelter, and she exhibits patience and respect in her client interactions. Highway to Hope looks forward to a continued, fruitful, and always mutually beneficial relationship with The Shade Tree.

I volunteered at The Shade Tree last month with a group of my friends from school. We wanted to give-back to the women in our community and picked this place to volunteer. I was impressed with the number of services they offered women and their children. We got to work in their children's center. We read to the kids, helped with crafts and cleaned up. If you are looking for a place to volunteer I highly recommend The Shade Tree.

This place id horrible they call CPS on my sister because she is not stupid and she made complaints on them because they violated her religious civil and human rights. We are gling to hire an attorney to come after Shade Tree because of this matter this is the most corrupted place a woman can stay with her children they are deceitful and scandless this the worst place to stay in. They will lie to cover their tracks i dong trust the executor or the social workers there Angela Schi and other social workers are lying and they use the law and lies to get to people that complains about the abuse. Dont give them money or stay there. Lawsuit coming soon for them. They will soon see and im going to make it go viral

This place is the worse place ever. The people are rude they eant give you your mail. They say they will help you get your birth certificate they never will or medical cards. My sister kids need to go to Dr the state says they sent card over a month ago and she never recieved it. They also said they were going to help her get her birth certificate so she can get her I.D it never happened. She was written because my nephew blanket was hanging off bed she asked for copy if right up and they wouldn't give her one. This place is the worst i tried to contact the director they never called
She says there is a lot of illegal activity and drugs in that shelter. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone..

Recently within the new year I had an opportunity to work with Shade Tree, I found some of the workers very personable and a great help, polite, nice, and everything you would expect. As far as the Shade Tree director goes I found her not helpful and quite rude. I think because there was no television spot in it for her she could have cared less.

I had a friend with two little girls that had no where to go so I called Shade Tree and they had an appointment for her to go to the next day! That was amazing how quick they got her and her children in

We are a Ministry that would love to reach out specifically to abused women and children and thought this would be a perfect place to donate both our time and resources, but the Director for Shade Tree by the name Brandi mentioned that they cannot have any religion or christian group come in. We are not a religious group, we just want to show love to these people who are hurting, lost and needy in terms of giving our time and their material needs. So i am in doubt if all of the recipient are actually getting much needed help emotionally, economically, mentally and spiritually. And are the donations being accounted for???

A wonderful and much needed charity that provides vital support and care to the women, children..and pets who seek it's help in their most depserate times.

I was very moved after my visit to Shade Tree as the support and care this shelter offers women and their families really is life changing. All credit to the team that work so hard to make this such a positive and supportive environment to be in.

Shade Tree truly understands what drives women to stay in these situations and by allowing them to bring their pets, which can often be a reason for them to stay, enables them to escape their home life without fear of consequence. The work they do is amazing.

I visited The Shade Tree in July 2013 and I was really impressed what a small team of people with limited resources was able to do. Providing shelter for women, children and pets in Las Vegas is no easy task, but I saw first hand the difference that The Shade Tree makes. I have made a small donation and will continue to promote this nonprofit to everyone as they definitely deserve it.

I have volunteered several times. Recently i volunteered for Christmas in October where all of the children got presents. Also, I was there when all the children were given out costumes. The shade tree makes families feel at home.

As a returning client to the Shade Tree, After returning a year ago form out of town. My experince with this nonprofit is now way better then my last time. I feel that I have gotten more help since my last time here, I came back to Las Vegas to live with family and things where not wtat they seems, therefore I want back to The Shade Tree. Again I must say it is much better then before, I see that staff are more willing to help u now, help in getting u a place to live, a job, to also help in getting u medical help, help in provide u with help for u pets/ and or your love ones. Staff try as best as they can to help,and provide for u as well as others. Last time I was here to me and this is for me, where not as friendly, they where into helping who they wanted to help. Most ladies have to realize that in order to better yourself u must make the first step in helping yourself, therefore others will see this and help u more. You need to stay focus towards your goals. Now I could go on and say things are not perfect here, but why when I and my child are not out in the streets, and are living off family and friends.

An amazing organization with an awesome staff that impacts thousands of lives every year. As a former staff member, I've never had a job more rewarding than The Shade Tree. Having the opportunity to impact someone's life in a positive, caring way is a great responsibility that The Shade Tree doesn't take lightly. This organization lives its mission of providing safe shelter and life changing services that promote stability, dignity and self-reliance to homeless and abused women and children.

The Shade Tree has many good things to help women, children, and pets who come from abusive situations. They help them find jobs, have activities throughout the year, and give them clothing and other items. They also take care of the pets which is really cool. I am happy to support them and the community should support this organization as well. Without The Shade Tree, so many people would have nowhere to go to get back on their feet.

I came to The shade Tree shelter about a month ago as a Domestic Violence client..but as a Minister even we go through some trials and tribulations. The Shade Tree helped me put my life on track get my health back with their stillman Clinic Miss kanace helped me to get all my medicines.. I came there with nothing but a little bag of clothing my health was poor but within 30 days I found a job with the help of Miss Maggie and the employment center with a place to stay. maggie really work hard to help find employment for the woman there. As a woman in ministry I even got a chance to help others with life problems. If it wasnt forthe support of the volunteers there and the people who donate I dont know where i would be... I nominate the Shade Tree Shelter. Thank You for changing my life..

What a wonderful service this nonprofit provides, not only women and children but their pets in the time of need. Bless you all.

this is my first experience volunteering for a shelter, when I did my orientation, I did believe that this organization is very organized and helping our people, women and children to get a better chance in life after a crisis in family , it is really benefitting everybody in the society. My child also volunteers here and she could see that Shade Tree is a very secure for kids. well done shade tree!

I have had experience with the beautiful workings and mission of The Shade Tree; each staff member puts every ounce of their heart into helping these homeless and battered women get back up on their own two feet and reach self-sufficiency. My experience is even more well-versed at The Shade Tree's Noah's Animal House, the animal kennel temporary "home" to several of the Shade Tree women's pets. Noah's Animal House was the pioneer of adding an animal facility to a Battered Women's Shelter, and the difference it is making in these women's lives is tangible. Being able to bring an animal with them when fleeing an abusive situation is very often the "make or break" of an animal owner leaving a terrible situation. Once safely in the bosom of The Shade Tree, the women seek refuge and therapy from their furry family member, greatly aiding in their progress of their own case plan at The Shade Tree. Finally, time and again, statistics have shown that the recidivism rate on these animal-owner women is greatly reduced when compared to the woman who are not pet-owners or whose pets are not housed with them while in-shelter. I have seen this magic happen in-person, and I know that Noah's Animal House and The Shade Tree is changing lives in the hundreds on a daily basis!

As the previous Volunteer Coordinator at The Shade Tree, I was humbeled and proud to see how the members of the Las Vegas Community came together to assist and support the women and children of this shelter. It was amazing to see how volunteers teaching life skills classes or music lessons in the children's activity center could lift the spirits of residents and provide life changing skills that help women to get back on their feet.

The Shade Tree not only is a place to sleep and get a hot meal, it is a place where residents are offered case management, job referrals, health and nutrition information, support groups and so much more. The Shade Tree is truly unique and one of a kind. Thank goodness for the caring staff and volunteers who serve them.

The Shade Tree strives to fulfill the needs of the homeless and abused women and children. Not only is housing and job assistance offered, but the shelter has a Children's Activity Center where kids can experience childhood while bonding with their mothers. Furthermore, life skills classes are offered to improve the skills of the women. There are holiday parties, career fairs, and fitness classes to cheer the women and children up. The Shade Tree even has an animal house which was opened in 2007 with the purpose of keeping families together. Women no longer have to give up their animals or leave their pets behind. The residents' animals are able to live right next door. The Shade Tree is a great organization.

I have had the privilege of volunteering at The Shade Tree on several occasions. The safety and comfort that they provide for women, children and also their pets is incredible. Marlene Richter and her staff are warm, caring people who work to give homeless and abused women and children stability and skills for self-reliance. I was so moved by my experience.

I am honored to be a part of the Shade Tree because it ofers more than a safe, warm place to sleep. Since opening its doors more than two decades ago, women and children have been given the tools to experience a genuine sense of pride in achielving independance. The program is constantly evolving to address the changing needs and issues of homelessness in our community. From job development to healthcare, to a co-located animal shelter for the furry family members...the Shade Tree reinvents itself over and over again as the needs of the clients change. I am so grateful to be able to watch the women and children flourish because The Shade Tree is mroe than a shelter!

One of my friends invited me to attend their annual walk last year then again this year. It was such a great time. Seeing the staff, kids, babies, friends, family, pets; walking together, talking together, laughing together all in support to raise money for the shelter. Staff at the shelter talked about stories of their clients with such passion to help that definitely rubbed of me, making me want to help more. If you don't take away anything from the experience, at the least it reminds you to count your blessings. I look forward to helping in other ways and will continue to support these events.

When I lost a bunch of weight, I had all these extra clothes. Without a doubt, the shade tree was my shelter of choice to donate to. I see them on the news asking for help and I can tell they really want to help. I donated a bunch of dresses usable for work and play in addition to shoes and other items the ladies can wear in the workforce . I received a thank you letter and I know its always the right decision to send my items to shade tree.

I remember the Motther's Day Event!! It was sooo much fun! We got there early and started to set up the items..there were things from body wash and lotions tto scarfs and sweaters for the moms. After set up, each child was called and accompanied by their own "shopper" to pick out what they wanted to give their moms. The why's behind their reasons were priceless. Thank you Shade Tree for making moms and ladies feel special because holidays can be extremely difficult.

When I started to volunteer at The Shade Tree it was for school, as I continued to go there twice a week and serve the families lunch, it became a part of me. They would talk to me sometimes about how blessed they feel to have a home within the shelter, and how they learn things such as how to write a resume or tot use the computer while they're here. I moved, but when I get back, I'll definitely visit and volunteer again.

The Shade Tree always have events to drive success in the women and children. As recent as the back to school drive where all the kids received school supplies for the upcoming school year. I'm glad to help!

The Shade Tree is the poorest kept for the shelter, for Christimas of 2010 there were over a thousand gift card given that were for the women and the women didn't get them. Some how they got in Marlene Ricther hand and a couple of ladies that work there. The place is in infested with bed bugs and Marlene Ricther isn't doing anything about it. The place is is infested with rats and among other things. I don't donate to the shade tree I donate to safe nest where they really need it. The ladies don't half of the items that are donated. The shelter is filthy inside from up to the botttom. The workers are over work and Marlene is a mean and hateful woman. You have have of the the workers popping pills and drinking on the job trying to cope with the bullshit. I feel sorry for the ladies and the children they are getting half of the stick. There is no installation in the bathrooms. And if anyone says the the shad tree rocks you are lying. Thap place need serious help and the ED need to be thrown out and the rest of them. The residents see nothing that comes in at all. The tissues comes from hotels that has been used they are half of rolls. The Health District need to come down and check on the bed bug infestation and the rats down in the basement and on all the floors. Andl they sometimes are in the bed with the babies when there are holes in the mattress and a family of rats are in there and the babies rats drop in the bed with the children. And roaches are infested also dropping from the ceiling with bed bugs along with them. What next when you donate it is all a show that they are showing donors and they feed into that mess. Have the donors tried Child Haven, Safe Nest, or Safe Haven. Over a hundred or more computers lap tops were donated where are they? The residents didn't get them at all. One gentleman donated $2,500 and it was put under Marlene's door and it hasn't been seen since where did the money go. So think twice because the shade tree is not what it is stacked up to be.

Shade Tree should be the last place you ever want to go if you're fleeing domestic violence. Security is shabby, getting paid minimum wage. You can't pay security minimum wage and expect them to actually want and be motivated to secure the premises. Staff has a very "brush-off" approach, especially administrative staff. The only ones that seem to actually care are the younger staff. Client advocates are outnumbered and short staffed. Overworked and underpaid as many of them say. Shade Tree continues to receive millions in funding and grants but I see nothing done to use up those funds wisely, such as healthier and more adequate food. Sanitation is also another miss. Lastly, I'm familiar with government funding and from the notices on the wall, Shade Tree is abusing HUD and HIP funding. The government should pull their funding so that way they can actually use the external funding they receive rather than dispensing it amongst the higher ups.

I enjoy volunteering at The Shade Tree I feel The Shade Tree is a wonderful program to help women and children. I believe this program is safe and helpful to the women and Im glad they have The Shade Tree to come to for safety and resources.

I had the opportunity to volunteer as a life skills teacher with The Shade Tree a couple of years ago and I had a lot of fun. I honestly learned a lot about how strong some of the ladies.

There are a lot of families out there that need help; especially those with pets and children. It's good to know there are places out there where people can go to get back on their feet AND be safe.

i dont know how any one can write a good review on this place but there are a lot of good staff members but ive stayed a shade tree and i can honestly say its nasty and bug ridden bed bug roaches, theres a fight every other night there are people stealing ,while staff have there pick of who to help 3rd floor is for dv. and transtional and second floor is for single woman and familys ,ive been there for 2 weeks i havnt talked to a counslor yet and im not sure what the programs are they give you resources im told ,wake up time is 6.00 ,2 nd floor have to leave the floor at 8 am ,,,they only give you a bus pass if you have an appointment but not to look for housing and jobs ,the food is nasty most time and this morning the sausage was spolied ,,ive watched more then 8 woman get put out and i saw 10 woman whos time wasnt extended and had no place to go there are woman there that has been there 18 months -2 years ,,and some there leaving wth housing due to shade trees help,, but it seems like it depends on if your liked ,,because there are no programs there only class like relaxation ,resume writing orintation and housing on and two ,k,,some of the woman are really beautiful just feel on hard times ,but most are nasdty and crazy the bathrooms are nadty and the rules are dum ive been calling the health department since ive came ,and i wish i coulod get help to leave and get on my feet cause im at my wits end all day the woman smoke ciggaretes back to back ,they sell pills and cigareetes ,people coe back high and drunk ,,all this i swear is true ,,im sure this will fall on death ears but its a shame that ,,outside people come tour the place in the day time see it empty clean and a fe woman there and not no its like a womans prison with children in it ,,but because that the only real shelter in las vegas nevada and woman ,mossstly need a place like this they will always have funding and supporters ,,but if you ask me an out side agency should look at how many times the las vegas police has been there and then you might get the real story

The Shade Tree sounds like a HORRIBLE place. Full of discrimination, divisiveness and hatred. They accept some people and turn away others based on infantile notions of body morphology. Dividing families and destroying peoples sense of family unit.

Being a part of this amazing organization for over ten years has been has been as much for me as it is for the women and children we serve. I am reminded daily of the strength and courage that these women have under the worst circumstances. I am also reminded that it is not about destiny, but rather the choices one makes. The Shade Tree not only provides safe shelter and balanced meals for those who are experiencing homelessness and financial crisis, but it is made up of many programs which are offered to provide the tools and resources to break the cycle of homelessness. I can't think of a better inspiration than the women and children who fill our corridors with hope, laughter and tears. Credit goes to the patient and dedicated staff who insure that the shelter is a safe and inspiring space during time of desperation.

Shade Tree is a great organiztion to work with. They helped our company organize a meal service for their clients. They returned calls and emails quickly, answering all of our questions and made us feel welcomed when our volunteers showed up.

On a convention to Las Vegas, I was able to spend a Saturday morning at The Shade Tree. It was the most rewarding event. The woman and the children all smiled and seemed so happy. No one would know the troubles each one had. I spent the time mostly with the children, and I was better for it. God was there that day. They were entertaining and made me feel so welcome. The Shade Tree does so much for all of the woman, children and now their animals that it is great to make donations to such a worthy cause. It has a very close family type atmosphere and helps the woman so much. They are empowered and made to feel they can now have a second chance at life.

While searching for charities whose purpose matched those of a non-profit foundation with which I'm associated I found The Shade Tree. I got in touch with the Executive Director and quickly became passionate about supporting their mission, "To provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance." . My passion has been shared with others and for the past 4+ years we have volunteered through lending a hand where needed at the shelter, doing fundraising events, sending boxes full of urgently needed items and lending moral support to staff and residents. I call it a God-shot that I was guided to The Shade Tree because my work with them has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It even led me to a career change into the non-profit sector.

My first experience with The Shade Tree was three years ago. The dedication of the staff to the community is palpable in every one you meet. Although some clients are in desperate situations, the shelter is filled with light and hope. One cannot leave without being affected by the positive atmosphere. A few hours, once a year with the clients and staff of The Shade Tree energizes me to contribute time and money in my home community in a effort to ensure the women, children and pets here also have a haven and are being cared for.

Whilst on a vacation trip 4 years ago to Las Vegas we friends I was introduced to TST. I went along to volunteer and help out not really knowing what to expect. After being welcomed and introduced to exactly who and what TST do I was amazed. Not only do they help women and children but also their pets. To me that was something very special, as a dog owner I fully understand the need to keep those beloved fur babies with you. The work that the team do to help the women and children get back on their feet and heal their physical and emotional wounds is exceptional. This year I was honoured to help out in Noah's pet house and see all the work that goes on there. I am still in awe of the wonderful work the team do there in an efficient and professional manner to look after their guests. The women and children are an inspiration and a true mark of the endurance of the human spirit. My journey with TST started 4 years ago and each time I visit I come away a better person. This is truly an amazing organisation run by exceptional people.

Four years ago, I became familiar with The Shade Tree via a charitable organization which had been raising funds on TST's behalf. I was intrigued by the model implemented by TST insofar as it not only provides safe shelter to women and children escaping domestic abuse, but their pets as well. Since my initial discovery, I have consistently contributed to this cause. For the last 3 years, I have volunteered on-site while in Las Vegas for an annual convention. Each time I visit, I walk away more passionate than ever about the people served by TST and its role in the community. I've not only witnessed first hand the impact the shelter has on its "guests", but I've grown to respect those "on the front lines" and running the shelter in the most efficient ways possible. The Shade Tree is truly the shining example of how communities should provide for those in need.

I am the mother of a daughter who was murdered by the father of her child back in 1996. For years we did not know what had happened and it wasn't until 2007 that her body was identified. Her murderer is now awaiting trial. A few years back I was in Las Vegas for a convention and I was privileged to go to The Shade Tree and see the fabulous job that Marlene and her staff accomplish on a daily basis to help women and children who have been abused and hurt by the one person who is suppose to love and take care of them. This shelter has so affected me that I have joined my local domestic abuse and rape victim organization and my goal is to build a shelter modeled after The Shade Tree. I am so inspired every year now to go to The Shade Tree while in Vegas and volunteer for a few hours and learn from Marlene and her staff what it is like to truly give back to those who find themselves in this horrible situation. If only there had been a Shade Tree available in 1996 my daughter and many others may be alive today.

You never realize what you've been blessed with until you see what you're lucky not to have to go through. Everyone have their own daily struggles, however, the incredible sense of hope The Shade Tree inspire upon to the women, children, and pets are remarkable. Seeing the passion in the eyes of the staff reassures the belief they have in The Shade Tree's overall mission. I have been lucky to be a part of various fundraising events and seen them in action. Every 2 to 3 months, I go through my home in addtion to collecting from friends and family for items the clients of TST can benefit from. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help. Seeing the women and families empowered from programs they went through while at the shelter embrace the world, being a part of that is heartwarming.

This is a wonderful charity organization and the staff and residence are great. I know because I sang at the Shade Tree last Christmas and Valentine's Day. I will be performing again in the near future. Because of the staff and ladies and children, I keep coming back. It is a place where people care for one another. I am proud to be a volunteer at this thoughful and caring place. Thank you, Rosie Sottile